Police have raised alarm over a disturbing trend of wealthy individuals allegedly recruiting highly trained officers to carry out violent crimes, following revelations in court that a former elite policeman was paid to assassinate a key witness.
This emerged at the Brakpan Magistrate’s Court, where former Special Task Force (STF) officer Matiphandile Sotheni appeared in connection with the murder of Marius van der Merwe known as Witness D at the Madlanga Commission.
According to SAPS, Sotheni once part of the police’s most specialised and highly trained unit was allegedly hired to execute the killing, highlighting what authorities describe as a growing threat: the outsourcing of violence to elite-trained operatives.
The Special Task Force is regarded as the pinnacle of SAPS tactical capability, with members undergoing intensive and costly training. Police Spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe said it costs more than R1 million to train a single STF operator making the alleged involvement of a former member in a contract killing particularly alarming.
“It is deeply concerning that individuals with this level of training are being targeted and recruited by wealthy private clients to commit serious crimes,” police said.
Van der Merwe was gunned down in what investigators describe as a calculated hit, shortly after testifying before the Madlanga Commission, where he implicated several individuals in wrongdoing.
Police believe his murder was a direct attempt to silence him.
The case is now being handled by the Madlanga Task Team a specialised unit established earlier this year under National Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola, following a directive from the president to investigate crimes linked to the commission.
Authorities warn that the case could be the tip of the iceberg, exposing a broader network in which former elite officers are drawn into criminal activities by those with the means to pay for their skills.
Former Elite Police Officer Arrested for ‘Silencing’ Key Witness in High-Profile Commission Case
The arrest of a former Special Task Force officer for the murder of a key state witness has sent shockwaves through the South African Police Service (SAPS), raising serious concerns about highly trained operatives being drawn into criminal networks.
Matiphandile Sotheni, a former member of the SAPS’ elite Special Task Force, has been arrested in connection with the killing of Witness D, Marius van der Merwe a crucial figure linked to the Madlanga Commission.
SAPS has described the development as “deeply unfortunate,” highlighting the gravity of a former highly trained officer now facing charges tied to a targeted assassination.
Sotheni joined SAPS in 2005 and was later selected for the Special Task Force in 2010 an elite unit known for its rigorous training and specialised operations. According to police, training a single task force member costs the state more than R1 million.
“It is a significant loss when such a highly skilled member ends up on the wrong side of the law,” SAPS said, noting that Sotheni resigned from the service in 2019 before moving into the private sector.
Authorities have warned that wealthy individuals and private companies are increasingly recruiting former tactical operators for protection a trend now under scrutiny following this case.
Hit Linked to Commission Testimony
Investigators believe Van der Merwe was murdered to prevent him from revealing further information after his explosive testimony before the Madlanga Commission in November.
He had implicated several individuals and had already submitted an affidavit to the commission.
Mathe says surveillance of Van der Merwe began shortly after his appearance.
“Our investigation shows the suspects began tailing him in late November. The plan to eliminate him came after he testified,” SAPS confirmed.
On the night of 5 December, at around 8pm, the plan was executed.
Van der Merwe was killed in a drive-by shooting a method police say points to a highly trained gunman.
“He was shot once, and that single shot proved fatal. This kind of precision is consistent with Special Task Force training,” investigators said.
How the Murder Unfolded
According to Mathe, two suspects were in a Suzuki Swift used in the attack.
Sotheni is believed to have been the gunman, seated in the passenger seat, while the alleged accomplice, identified as Peristorius, drove the vehicle.
Evidence places both men at the scene, with investigators saying the same vehicle had been used to track Van der Merwe in the days leading up to the murder.
Peristorius, initially considered the primary suspect, later died by suicide at a fuel station after being taken in for questioning.
Task Team’s First Major Breakthrough
The case marks the first major breakthrough for the Madlanga Task Team, a specialised unit established in early February by National Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola, under instruction from the president.
The team was specifically tasked with investigating criminal cases linked to the Madlanga Commission including the murder of witnesses.
“This is a significant development in uncovering a network of crimes connected to the commission,” SAPS said.
Wider Links to Previous Killing
The murder of Van der Merwe is also believed to be linked to the 2022 killing of Emmanuel Mbensi, further deepening concerns about a broader pattern of targeted hits tied to individuals connected to the commission.
Police say the motive is clear: silence.
“Our investigation shows he knew a lot. He was eliminated to stop him from speaking further,” SAPS said.
The arrest has intensified scrutiny on the role of former elite officers in organised crime and the growing risk posed when their specialised skills are turned against the public they were trained to protect.
Outside court, Natasha van der Merwe, Marius’s sister, expressed her belief that those who ordered her brother’s killing were known to him.
“We have no doubt that he knew the mastermind behind this. It’s tragic that someone so close to him could be involved,” she said.
Charges Laid
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) Gauteng Spokesperson Lumka Mahanjana confirmed that Sotheni faces six charges, including conspiracy to commit murder, premeditated murder, and attempted murder.
